AURORA, Ill. — Lawson Smith Jr. died Saturday, March 31, 2012, at Aurora Manor. He was 83.

He was born in Vicksburg to Lawson Sr. and Nellie Smith.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters and a brother.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Beatrice Smith; one son, Eddie C. Smith; three daughters, Ruby Gordon, Bertha Burrell and Marsha D. Pryor; eight grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

Services were April 6 at Gayles M.B. Church in Aurora under the direction of James Funeral Service.